Overview
Stylosanthes flavicans Baker, commonly known as yellow-flowered Stylo or yellow stylo, is a flowering plant species belonging to the genus Stylosanthes and the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial herb that is native to Africa and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Description
The plant has a stem that is slender, wiry, and hairy. Its leaves are green, trifoliate, and have a smooth texture. The plant has yellow flowers that bloom in clusters and produce legume fruits that are about 2 cm in length.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names that include yellow-flowered Stylo, yellow stylo, African stylo, and pencilflower.
Uses
Stylosanthes flavicans Baker is an important forage crop that is used for grazing and hay. It is also useful in soil conservation and erosion control due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Furthermore, it has potential applications in medicine due to its medicinal properties that include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Light Requirements
When it comes to the light requirements of Stylosanthes flavicans Baker, the plant thrives well in areas with high levels of sunlight exposure. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure each day to perform optimally. It is crucial to place the plant in areas that provide adequate sunlight, such as gardens and fields.
Temperature Requirements
Unlike other plants, Stylosanthes flavicans Baker can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F). At temperatures below 16°C (61°F) or above 35°C (95°F), the plant may face difficulties in maturing and producing seeds. It is essential to monitor the temperature conditions around the plant and make necessary adjustments, such as watering and shading in hot seasons or using mulch to keep the soil warm in cold seasons.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives best in a well-drained soil, with a loose texture. The ideal pH range for the soil should be within 5.5 - 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant may fall short of nutrients if planted in poor soil conditions. Gardeners may add soil conditioners such as compost to support healthy soil conditions for the plant. It is essential to avoid waterlogging situations around the plant as it may cause fungal growth that may harm the plant's roots.
Cultivation Methods for Stylosanthes flavicans Baker
Stylosanthes flavicans Baker, commonly known as yellow lucerne, is a tropical legume and is best grown in a sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires full sun exposure for optimum growth, especially during the establishment phase.
Propagation is carried out through the use of stem cuttings, seeds, or both. When using cuttings, it's advisable to dip them in a rooting hormone before planting to encourage rooting. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 2cm in a well-prepared seedbed, after which they should be covered with soil and watered gently.
Watering Needs for Stylosanthes flavicans Baker
Stylosanthes flavicans Baker requires regular and adequate watering, especially during the dry season. Watering can be done either through rainfall or irrigation, and the soil should be kept moist at all times but not waterlogged. It's important to avoid standing water on the crop as this may lead to root rot and eventual crop failure.
Fertilization of Stylosanthes flavicans Baker
Yellow lucerne responds well to fertilization, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. The application of phosphatic fertilizers is essential during the early stage of establishment to enhance root development. Nitrogen fertilizers are recommended during the vegetative stage of growth to promote leaf development and stem elongation. Potassium-based fertilizers are required during the flowering and seed production stage to increase the crop's yield.
Pruning of Stylosanthes flavicans Baker
Pruning is usually done to promote branching, reduce the occurrence of diseases, and improve the quality of the crop. Pruning should be done when the crop is young during the first six months of growth. The first pruning should be done when the crop is about 15cm high and should involve removing the topmost shoot. Thereafter, regular pruning should be done to remove the side shoots and encourage a bushy growth.
Propagation of Stylosanthes Flavicans Baker
Stylosanthes Flavicans Baker, also known as yellow auger or buttercup, is one of the most widely used forage legumes in the subtropics. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Stylosanthes flavicans is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are easily available and can be sown directly into the field during the rainy season. The seeds can also be germinated in nurseries and later transplanted into the field.
Seed propagation requires good quality seeds, which are free from diseases and insect infestations. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed with proper spacing to ensure good growth and development. The seedlings should be transplanted into the main field when they reach a height of about 10-15 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Stylosanthes flavicans can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants and should be about 15-20 cm in length. The cuttings should be taken during early morning hours and treated with rooting hormones before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared beds with proper spacing. The plants should be given a regular supply of water and nutrients to ensure good growth and development.
Division of Clumps
Stylosanthes flavicans can also be propagated through division of clumps. This method involves separating the plant clumps into smaller ones and replanting them in a suitable location. The best time to divide clumps is during the rainy season when the plants are actively growing.
The clumps should be dug out and separated into smaller sections with a minimum of three to four shoots per section. The sections should be replanted in well-prepared beds with adequate spacing.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes flavicans Baker
Stylosanthes flavicans Baker, commonly known as yellow or pencil flower, is a leguminous perennial plant that is widely grown for forage and soil improvement in tropical and subtropical regions. However, like any other crop, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield and productivity. To ensure optimal production, it is vital to implement effective disease and pest management strategies. Below are some common diseases and pests that affect Stylosanthes flavicans Baker and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Wilt disease: This is one of the most severe diseases that affect Stylosanthes flavicans Baker. It is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, and it manifests as yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stems. The plant eventually dies, leading to significant yield losses. To manage wilt disease, it is recommended to plant resistant varieties and to avoid planting in areas with a history of the disease. Additionally, crop rotation, use of fungicides, and proper irrigation can help prevent and manage the disease.
2. Root rot: Root rot is another fungal disease that affects Stylosanthes flavicans Baker. It is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and is characterized by the decay of the roots, which often leads to wilting of the plant. To manage root rot, it is crucial to maintain proper soil drainage and aeration. Additionally, crop rotation, use of fungicides, and the application of biological control agents can help prevent and manage the disease.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that affects Stylosanthes flavicans Baker. They suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yields. To manage aphids, it is recommended to introduce natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings, use of chemical pesticides or washing of plants with water.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are another common pest that affects Stylosanthes flavicans Baker. They feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to become speckled or discolored. Severe infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced yields. To manage spider mites, proper irrigation to maintain soil moisture, and the use of biological control agents, such as predatory mites, can be applied.
Implementing the above disease and pest management strategies, along with proper soil management, fertilization, and irrigation practices, can help prevent and manage the different diseases and pests that affect Stylosanthes flavicans Baker, leading to optimal yields and productivity.
